NFL Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll dies at 82

(Reuters) - Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll, who helped transform the team into one of the league's dominant franchises and became the only NFL coach to win four Super Bowl titles, has died at the age of 82, the National Football League said on Friday.

Citing the Allegheny County Medical Examiner, media reported Noll died of natural causes at his home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, in the presence of family members.

Noll, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, coached the Steelers for 23 seasons from 1969 until 1991, guiding the franchise to Super Bowl wins in the 1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979 seasons. Overall, he built a 209-156-1 record in all games, including a 16-8-0 post-season record, which is one of the best in league history.

In his first year at the helm the Steelers finished 1-13. Three years later, the Steelers reached the AFC championship game and two years after that they won their first Super Bowl.

'TREMENDOUS TECHNICIAN'

"Through shrewd drafts and strong guidance, Noll helped team owner Art Rooney and the Steelers shed their 'lovable losers' image," according to a biography on the Pro Football Hall of Fame's website.

"He quickly established a building program with an emphasis on the annual college draft to realize the ultimate goal of an NFL championship."
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